While it seems that a large number of students and faculty most associate the Junior World Affairs Council, otherwise known as JWAC, with the club’s annual Heritage Day event, this year’s members plan to compete in the Academic WorldQuest Competition and establish recognition as tough, challenging competitors, if not winners of the 2010 season.

Founded by Senior and club president Satvika Ananthanarayan, the student organization once known as Heritage Club, has not only grown into a new name, but in membership size and range of club activities. While the club continues its ongoing tradition of Heritage Day, it has also embarked on a mission to achieve excellence through the Academic WorldQuest Competition. As both events rapidly approach, Senior members and participants not only host study sessions and memorize information, but must plan, coordinate and ensure the smooth proceedings of Heritage Day.  

Senior Jessie King, who plans to participate in both Heritage Day and the Academic WorldQuest Competition, felt that being a part of both was a very challenging, yet rewarding experience.

“It’s really fun to discuss the WorldQuest Competition topics with my teammates while preparing for Heritage Day,” King said. “It’s stressful because we still need to get a lot done before competition day, but I’m really excited.”

Taking place on Feb. 5, Heritage Day will continue to provide delicious snacks and treats, outstanding, student performances and wide varieties of information showcasing cultures, languages and customs found within the global community. With the purpose of Heritage Day remaining the same, the order of this year’s events will be changed to accommodate those in attendance. Rather than presenting information during student performances, the presentations of countries and their unique cultures will take place after a time allotted solely for the dancing, singing, and instrument playing by CHS students.  

Senior Drew Hasson felt that the changes made were beneficial to the running of Heritage Day and will make a positive difference.

“I really think that with the changes we’re making and the work we’re putting into it that more of the community will become involved,” Hasson said. “It’s a lot of fun to be a part of the sharing of cultural affairs.”

With only a couple of hours to recuperate from the previous night’s festivities, the Senior members of JWAC must prepare themselves to compete in the Academic WorldQuest Competition on the following day, Feb. 6. Participating in this year’s competition and representing CHS are three teams well learned in the areas of Current Events, Great Decisions 2009, Pandemics, Genocide, International Migration Trends, World Music, Soccer World Cup and Food Production and Consumption. Taking place at the University of Texas at Arlington, these 12 students will be competing against high schools throughout the North Texas area.   

Senior Suwetha Amsavelu takes a positive approach to the upcoming Academic WorldQuest Competition based on last year’s success.

“Last year was our first time competing in WorldQuest and we did fairly well by placing in the top three,” Amsavelu said. “We’ll see how we do this year but as long as we give it our best, that’s all that matters.”

While JWAC members anxiously anticipate Heritage Day and the Academic WorldQuest Competition, CHS can look forward to the turn of both upcoming events.